MACHINE FOR COLLECTING AND PACKING TUBES FOR CIGARETTES, CIGARETTES, FILTERS, FILTER RODS, OR THE LIKE, AND COLLECTING AND PACKING METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

 A machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar and grouping and packing procedure thereof, wherein the machine comprises a plurality of vertical channels (5) for stacking tubes, retention means for controlling the introduction of the tubes in the vertical channels (5), a first transfer platform (7) for accompanying the tube stack in its descent through the vertical channels (5) until reaching transfer means (9) that transfer the tube stack and disposed it on a sheet die cut into a box shape, whereover a hold-down mechanism (26) is disposed that folds said die-cut sheet and forms a box over the tube stack.

Description

Sector of the art

[0001] The present invention is related to the packing of cylindrical elements such as cigarette tubes of the type that consumers fill with tobacco in accordance with their preferences, wherein the invention proposes a machine that makes it possible to group and create a stack of said tubes, in addition to forming on said tube stack the box in which the cigarette tubes are finally stored and distributed to the consumer. The invention is also applicable to other cylindrical elements such as cigarettes, filters and filter rods of different or similar formats.

State of the art

[0002] Cylindrical elements in the form of tubes or rods, such as cigarette tubes, are packed in boxes with capacity for a large number of said elements. The tubes must be disposed duly ordered to fill the cavity of the housing boxes to a maximum.

[0003] Cigarette tubes are hollow elements destined for being filled with the tobacco desired by consumers. These elements have a very flimsy structure, due to which they must be handled with great delicacy in order not to cause deformations and damage.

[0004] Spanish patent ES 2301307, filed by the same applicant of the present invention, discloses a machine for packing elements such as cigarette tubes, consisting of a zone wherefrom tubes coming from a feeding hopper are fed and a zone where the stacked tubes are introduced into packing boxes. The machine has vertical channels wherein the tubes are stacked, such that the tubes already stacked inside a packing box are unloaded from said vertical channels, whereupon the tubes are disposed in the desired stacking order in the interior of the box.

[0005] The vertical channels are closed on their lower portion by a folding lid, which is susceptible of being tilted between a closed position to retain the tubes stacked in the vertical channels and an open position for unloading the tubes into a corresponding packing box disposed underneath the vertical channels. A vacuum system applied through a perforated plate is disposed in relation to the lower portion of the vertical channels to retain the tubes in their stacked position when the swing lid swings to the open position, whereupon the perforated plate with the stacked tubes descends until they are disposed in the interior of the packing box.

[0006] In this solution, the tubes fed by the hopper travel in free fall until stopping against the swinging lid disposed on the lower portion of the vertical channels. This causes the tubes to swing during their free fall travel through the vertical channels and, therefore, the channels may become obstructed. In addition, when the perforated plate descends with the tubes to introduce them inside the box, the tubes may become misaligned or even deformed due to their little rigidity.

[0007] Spanish patent ES 2396522, also filed by the same applicant as the present invention, discloses another machine for packing cigarette tubes which solves the free-fall problem of the tubes in the vertical channels. To this end, the swinging lid is susceptible of moving vertically along the vertical channels until being disposed in a position near the feeding hopper, such as to achieve the controlled descent of the tubes through the vertical channels, in addition to creating a stack of tubes with the desired height. However, this solution still uses a perforated plate with a vacuum system to retain the tubes when the swinging lid is removed and to introduce them inside the corresponding packing box, such that the tubes can become misaligned or deformed when they are introduced in the packing box.

[0008] Therefore, a machine for stacking and packing the tubes into boxes is required that represents an alternative variant to existing solutions.

Object of the invention

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a machine for stacking and packing tubes for cigarettes or similar cylindrical elements is proposed, which makes it possible to stack the tubes in an orderly manner to avoid deformation thereof and whereby the box wherein the tubes are packed for marketing thereof is formed over the stack itself.

[0010] The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes or similar comprises a tube feeding zone, a tube stacking zone and a zone for packing the tubes into boxes.

[0011] The tube stacking zone comprises:

• a plurality of vertical channels for stacking the tubes in a substantially horizontal arrangement;
• retention means for retaining the tubes to control their introduction in the vertical channels;
• a first platform for transferring the tube stack, which moves vertically to control the height of the tube stack and accompany the tube stack in its descent through the vertical channels, and a second horizontal movement for withdrawing and unblocking the vertical channels, enabling the withdrawal of the tube stack; and
• a second platform for transferring the tube stack, which moves vertically to transfer the tube stack from the outlet of the vertical channels to the lower portion of the stacking zone; and
• transfer means for transferring the tube stack from the second transfer platform until disposing them on a sheet die cut into a box shape in the packing zone.

[0012] Insofar as the tube packing zone comprises:

• a hold-down mechanism for folding the box-shaped die-cut sheet and forming a packing box over the tube stack.

[0013] The transfer platforms are actuated in their vertical movement by means of vertical spindles disposed on both sides of the tube stacking zone and are vertically guided by means of guide rails. Thus, the transfer platforms are actuated independently in their vertical movement, using first vertical spindles for vertically actuating the second transfer platform, while on each side of the tube stacking zone a common guide rail is disposed to guide the two transfer platforms, although independent guide rails may be used to guide each platform.

[0014] The vertical spindles of one side of the tube stacking zone are directly actuated by respective motors, while the vertical spindles of the opposite side of the tube stacking zone are actuated by means of a transmission mechanism based on a pulley system that transmits the movement of the vertical spindles actuated by the motors.

[0015] The first transfer platform is joined to the mobile portion of an actuator that causes its horizontal transfer movement, wherein the fixed portion of the actuator is joined to a vertically moving base that is assembled between two carriages which are actuated in a vertical direction of movement by the first vertical spindles and guided over the common guide rails of both sides of the tube stacking zone. The second transfer platform is assembled between two carriages which are actuated in a vertical direction of movement by the second spindles and guided over the common guide rails of both sides of the tube stacking zone.

[0016] At the outlet of the vertical channels, a narrowing is defined for grouping the tube stack into a staggered arrangement and compensating the thickness of the dividing walls of the vertical channels where the stack has been formed. The narrowing is defined by means of an extension formed by two inward-sloping wall sections and two straight wall sections following from the inward-sloping wall sections.

[0017] The transfer means, used to transfer the tube stack from the second transfer platform until disposing them over a sheet die cut into a box shape in the packing zone, consist of a plate that pushes the tube stack when it is disposed on the lower portion of the stacking zone, whereupon the plate of the transfer means is actuated in a horizontal direction by an actuator.

[0018] The hold-down mechanism consists of a vertically movable column which, on its lower portion, includes an inverted U-shaped piece to fold the sheet die cut into a box shape and make it pass through an opening whose dimensions correspond to the base of the box to be formed. The column has a guide rail for sliding vertically with respect to a support structure that is joined to the chassis of the machine and a rack with which the pinion of a motor for actuating the column in a vertical movement engages.

[0019] Adjustment means have been envisaged in the packing zone to maintain the tube stack assembled during transfer thereof from the second transfer platform until disposing it on the sheet die cut into a box shape. The adjustment means are comprised of two diametrically opposed lateral adjustment arms and which are associated with respective actuators for performing a separation and approximation movement between said arms.

[0020] The packing zone has a stop plate for the frontal linear alignment of the stacked tubes when they are disposed on the sheet die cut into a box shape, before proceeding to form the packing case. It has been envisaged that the stop plate will be made of transparent material to allow observation from the exterior of the tube stack.

[0021] The vertical channels are frontally closed by doors endowed with a swinging movement to frontally align the tubes. Each door is mounted on two guide rails having a central actuator cylinder that causes the swinging movement of the door. It has been envisaged that the doors will also be made of transparent material to allow observation of the vertical channels from the exterior.

[0022] Therefore, the procedure for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes or similar, using the machine object of the invention, comprises a first phase wherein tubes are stacked in a substantially horizontal arrangement to form a tube stack and a second phase wherein the tube stack formed is disposed over a sheet die cut into a box shape and, by means of a hold-down mechanism, the sheet die cut into a box shape is folded to form a packing case of the tubes on the tube stack itself.

[0023] A machine for packing cigarettes or similar is thus obtained which, due to its construction and functional characteristics, is preferably applicable for this function, since it guarantees a controlled and gradual dispensing of the tubes, making it possible to form the box wherein the tubes must be packed for marketing thereof over the tube stack itself, such as to avoid deformations and misalignments of the tubes in the packing thereof.

Description of the figures

[0024] 

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the machine of the invention with the ducts wherethrough the tubes to be packed are fed to the machine.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the machine of the preceding figure without the tube feeding ducts.

Figure 3 shows a perspective front view of the tube stacking zone of the machine.

Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of the tube stacking zone of the machine.

Figure 5 shows a perspective front view of the tube stacking zone of the machine with a tube stack on the lower portion of said zone.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the hold-down mechanism of the packing zone for forming a box over the tube stack.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the adjustment means for maintaining the tube stack assembled in its transfer from the stacking zone to the packing zone.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the preceding figure.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a tube stack in the transfer phase from the stacking zone towards the packing zone.

Figure 10 shows a detailed view where the doors that close the vertical channels of the stacking zone frontally can be observed.

Figure 11 shows a detailed view of one of the doors of the preceding figure.

Figures 12A to 12I show an operating sequence of the procedure for grouping and packing tubes in accordance with the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0025] As observed in figure 1, the machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes or similar, according to the invention, comprises a zone (A) wherefrom tubes (1) to be packed are fed, a zone (B) wherein the tubes (1) are stacked in vertical columns according to a substantially horizontal arrangement thereof to form a tube stack (1), a zone (C) wherein the tube stack (1) already formed is packed into a packing box and a zone (D) wherein the boxes with the tubes (1) already packed in the interior thereof are extracted towards the exterior of the machine.

[0026] The tube (1) feeding zone (A) comprises a hopper (2) wherein the tubes (1) to be stacked are unloaded, ducts (3) wherethrough the tubes (1) are transported and tube (1) storage units (4). The tubes (1) are transported from the storage units (4) to the hopper (2) through the ducts (3), which unload the tubes (1) on both sides of the hopper (2).

[0027] In figures 3 to 5 we can observe the constituent elements of zone (B) of the machine, wherein the stack of tubes (1) fed by the hopper (2) is formed. The tube (1) stacking zone (B) comprises vertical channels (5) disposed underneath the hopper (2) for stacking the tubes (1), retention means (6) for retaining the tubes (1) to control their introduction into the vertical channels (5), a first transfer platform (7) for transporting the tubes (1) through the vertical channels (5), a second transfer platform (8) for transporting the tubes (1) from the outlet of the vertical channels (5) to the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) and transfer means (9) for transferring the tubes (1) from the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) to the packing zone (C).

[0028] The first transfer platform (7) has two orthogonal transfer movements therebetween, having a first vertical transfer movement for moving through the vertical channels (5) and a second horizontal movement for positioning or withdrawing from the vertical channels (5); while the second transfer platform (8) has a single vertical transfer movement for moving the tubes (1).

[0029] It has been envisaged that vibrating means (10) formed by projecting rods will be disposed at the hopper (2) outlet, which can rotate in both directions on their respective longitudinal axes to facilitate the orderly introduction of the tubes in the vertical channels (5).

[0030] The tube (1) retention means (6), represented in figure 4, are clamps that grip a respective tube (1) in each vertical channel (5), thereby preventing that, when required, more tubes (1) enter the vertical channels (5), which makes it possible to control the number of tubes (1) that form the stack in the vertical channels (5). The tube (1) retention means (6) may be a vacuum system, elements that selectively obstruct passage in the vertical channels (5), such as for example a fold-back trap door or any other system that makes it possible to retain the tubes (1) without altering the concept of the invention.

[0031] In figure 4 the rear portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) can be observed, wherein the respective actuation means of each of the elements of said zone are disposed. The first transfer platform (7) and the second transfer platform (8) are actuated independently in their vertical transfer movement by a first motor (11) and a second motor (12), respectively. A spindle nut actuation system moved by the motors (11 and 12) is used for guiding and vertically transferring said transfer platforms (7 and 8). On each side of the rear portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B), the spindle nut actuation system is formed by a first vertical spindle (13) that actuates the first transfer platform (7), a second vertical spindle (14) that actuates the second transfer platform (8) and a guide rail (15) disposed between the first vertical spindle (13) and the second vertical spindle (14), which acts as a common guide rail in the vertical movement of the two transfer platforms (7 and 8). However, each of the transfer platforms (7, 8) could possibly have an independent guiding element, in which case there would be two guide rails (15) on either side of the tube (1) stacking zone (B).

[0032] The first vertical spindle (13) of one side of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) is rotationally actuated by the fist motor (11), while the second vertical spindle (14) of the same side of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) is rotationally actuated by the second motor (12). The vertical spindles (13 and 14) of the side opposite the tube (1) stacking zone (B) are indirectly rotationally actuated by means of a transmission mechanism (16), based on a pulley system, which transmits the movement of the vertical spindles (13, 14) actuated by the motors (11, 12). Therefore, the vertical spindles (13 and 14) of one side of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) are motor spindles, while the vertical spindles (13 and 14) of the side opposite the tube (1) stacking zone (B) are spindles driven by the transmission mechanism (16).

[0033] The first transfer platform (7) has a comb-shaped configuration for the introduction and vertical movement thereof through the vertical channels (5). Said first transfer platform (7) is joined to an actuator (17) that causes its horizontal transfer movement. The mobile portion of the actuator (17) is joined to the first transfer platform (7) and the fixed portion of that actuator (17) is joined to a mobile base (18) transferrable in a vertical direction. The mobile base (18) is mounted between two first carriages (19) which are actuated in a vertical direction of movement by the first vertical spindles (13) of both sides of the tube stacking zone (B), wherein the first two carriages (19) are guided over guide rails (15) of both sides of the tube (1) stacking zone (B). Therefore, the rotation of the first vertical spindles (13) of both sides of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) causes the vertical ascending and descending movement of the first transfer platform (7) and the actuator (17) causes the horizontal movement thereof.

[0034] The second transfer platform (8) is mounted between two second carriages (20) which are actuated in a vertical direction of movement by the second vertical spindles (14) of both sides of the tube (1) stacking zone (B), wherein these two second carriages (20) are guided over the same guide rails (15) that guide the first transfer platform (7). Therefore, the rotation of the second vertical spindles (14) causes the vertical ascending and descending movement of the second transfer platform (8).

[0035] In figure 4 it can also be observed that the transfer means (9) used to transfer the tubes (1) from the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) to the packing zone (C) are formed by a plate (21) that is actuated in a horizontal direction by an actuator (22) disposed on the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (1).

[0036] As a result, the tubes (1) are unloaded in the hopper (2) and are introduced in the vertical channels (5) through the actuation of vibrating means (10), where they are retained on the lower portion thereof by the first transfer platform (7). Once a tube (1) stack has been completed with the desired height in the vertical channels (5), the retention means (6) are activated, preventing the introduction of more tubes (1) in the vertical channels (5), whereupon the first transfer platform (7) is withdrawn, unblocking the vertical channels (5), such that the tubes (1) rest on the second transfer platform (8), which causes the tube (1) stack already formed to descend to the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B).

[0037] In order to compensate the thickness of the walls that divide the vertical channels (5) and in order for the tubes (1) to be stacked in a staggered configuration to optimise space, a narrowing (23) has been envisaged from the outlet of the vertical channels (5), whereby the total width of the outlet of said vertical channels (5) is reduced. As can be observed in figures 3 and 5, the narrowing (23) is defined by an extension of the outer walls of the vertical channels (5) of both ends of the tube (1) stacking zone (B). Specifically, the narrowing (23) is defined by means of two inward-sloping wall sections (24) that are an extension of the outer walls of vertical channels (5) of the ends and two straight wall sections (25) following from the inward-sloping wall sections (24). Therefore, the tube stack (1) formed on the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) is retained in its rear portion by the plate (21) of the transfer means (9), on its sides by the straight wall sections (25) and on its lower portion by the second transfer platform (8).

[0038] In figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 the different elements that compose the zone (C) wherein the tubes (1) are packed into boxes can be observed. Thus, in figure 6 a hold-down mechanism (26) can be observed, which is used to fold a sheet (27) die cut into a box shape that is directly disposed underneath the hold-down mechanism (26). As can be observed in figures 1 and 2, a die (28) that cuts cardboard sheets to form the sheets (27) die cut into a box shape which, using dragging means, such as for example a carriage that slides over guide rails or a conveyor belt, are transported until being disposed underneath the hold-down mechanism (26).

[0039] The hold-down mechanism (26) is formed by a column (29) which, on the lower portion thereof, has an inverted U-shaped piece (30) for folding upwards the lateral edges of the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape on the lower portion thereof. The column (29) is mounted in a vertically sliding manner with respect to a support structure (31) that is joined to the chassis of the machine, said column (29) having a guide rail (32) on one side for sliding with respect to the support structure (31) and, on the other side, a rack (33) with which a pinion associated with a motor (34) that causes the ascending and descending movement of the column (29) engages and, therefore, with respect to the inverted U-shaped piece (30) on its lower end. The hold-down mechanism (26) causes the sheet (27) die cut in the form of a box to pass through a substantially rectangular opening (35) that coincides with the shape of the base of the box to be formed. Therefore, when the inverted U-shaped piece (30) descends, it causes the lateral edges of the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape to fold upwards, while the other edges of the sheet (27) are folded as they pass through the rectangular opening (35).

[0040] Figures 7 to 9 show adjustment means (36) for adjusting the tube (1) stacking zone (C) used to maintain the tube (1) stack assembled during transfer thereof from the outlet of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) on the second transfer platform (8), until they are disposed on the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape underneath the hold-down mechanism (26).

[0041] The adjustment means (36) are composed of two diametrically opposed laterally adjusting plates (37) that perform a separation and approximation movement therebetween for laterally adjusting the tube (1) stack and preventing it from falling apart during transfer thereof between the tube (1) stacking zone (B) and the tube (1) packing zone (1). Each lateral adjustment plate (37) is associated with a respective actuator (38) for moving forwards and backwards, such that with said plates (37) the tube (1) stack is laterally adjusted, performing a vibratory movement so that the tubes (1) are correctly disposed in the stack so as to optimise space.

[0042] A stop plate (39) is disposed in the tube (1) packing zone (C) to frontally align the stacked tubes (1) before the hold-down mechanism (26) forms the packing box. It has been envisaged that the stop plate (39) will be made of transparent material, for example methacrylate, in order observe the stacking of the tubes (1) from the exterior.

[0043] As can be observed in the figures, in the tube (1) stacking zone (C) a space (40) is defined wherein the tube (1) stack is positioned prior to packing thereof. Said space (40) is immediately above the opening (35) and underneath the hold-down mechanism (26), such that when the tube (1) stack is packed the space (40) is closed in its rear portion by the stop plate (39), on the sides and on the upper portion by the inverted U-shaped piece (30), and on the lower portion by the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape, allowing the introduction of the tube (1) stack in said space (40) only through the front portion thereof. With this arrangement, in the transfer from the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) to the tube (1) packing zone (C), the tube (1) stack is pushed by the plate (21) of the transfer means (9), whereupon the tubes (1) are laterally retained, first by the plates (37) of the lateral adjustment means (36) and subsequently by the inverted U-shaped piece (30) to finally form the sheet (27) into a box shape, when the tube (1) stack is correctly positioned in the space (40) above the sheet (27) by means of a descending movement of the hold-down mechanism (26).

[0044] In the partial view of the machine represented in figure 10, it can be observed that the vertical channels (5) of the stacking zone (B) are frontally closed by doors (41). It has been envisaged that said doors (41) will be made of transparent material, such as methacrylate, polycarbonate or other similar material, in order to supervise the formation of the tube (1) stacks from the exterior of the machine, without need to open these doors (41).

[0045] The doors (41) are endowed with a swinging movement in order to frontally align the tubes (1) inside the vertical channels (5). To this end, as observed in figures 10 and 11, each door (41) is mounted on two guide rails (42) having a central actuator cylinder (43) disposed between the guide rails (42). The set of guide rails (42) and central actuator cylinder (43) are mounted on the hinged zone of the respective door (41) in the proximity thereof. Thus, the alternating back-and-forth movement of the central actuator cylinders (43) cause the doors (41) to frontally adjust the tube (1) stack.

[0046] Figures 12A to 12I show an operating sequence of the procedure for grouping and creating the stacks of tubes (1) and the subsequent formation of the box wherein they must be packed for marketing thereof on the tube (1) stack itself.

[0047] Thus, as can be observed in figure 12A, the retention means (6) are initially deactivated and the first transfer platform (7) is positioned in accordance with the required tube (1) stack height. In this manner, the tubes (1) fed by the hopper (2) are introduced into the vertical channels (5) with the help of the vibrating means (10) and are stacked in said vertical channels (5) in a substantially horizontal arrangement, whereupon the stacks are retained on their lower portion by the first transfer platform (7). The first transfer platform (7) can be positioned in accordance with the required tube (1) stack height or can accompany the tubes (1) in their descent through the vertical channels (5) until attaining the required stack height.

[0048] As can be observed in figure 12B, when the required tube (1) stack height has been attained, the retention means (6) are activated to prevent the introduction of more tubes (1) fed by the hopper (2) into the vertical channels (5), whereupon the retention means (6) are activated during the tube (1) stacking and packing process until a new stack is created.

[0049] As can be observed in figure 12C, the first transfer platform (7) causes the tube (1) stack formed to descend vertically to the outlet of the vertical channels (5), wherein the second transfer platform (8) is disposed in its raised position waiting to receive the tube (1) stack. Subsequently, as can be observed in figure 12D, the first transfer platform (7) moves horizontally, withdrawing from the vertical channels (5), such that the tube (1) stack rests on the second transfer platform (8).

[0050] As can be observed in figure 12E, the second transfer platform (8) causes the tube (1) stack to descend vertically to a lower position in which the tube (1) stack is disposed in opposition to the transfer means (9). During this descent, the tube (1) stack is made to pass through the narrowing (23) of figure 3 to compact said tube (1) stack, thereby optimising space.

[0051] In figure 12F it can be observed how the transfer means (9) move horizontally, causing the tube (1) stack to be disposed above the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape. During the transfer, the tube stack (1) is laterally retained by the plates (37) of the lateral adjustment means (36), according to figure 9, to prevent the stack from falling apart. In addition, the tube (1) stack is retained on its upper portion by the stop plate (39), on the sides and upper portion by the inverted U-shaped piece (30) of the hold-down mechanism (26), and on the lower portion by the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape.

[0052] As can be observed in figure 12G, the hold-down mechanism (26) descends vertically, folding the sheet (27) and forcing it to pass through an opening (35), such that the box wherein the packed tubes (1) will be housed is formed on the tube (1) stack itself. Subsequently, as can be observed in figure 12H, the hold-down mechanism (26) returns to its initial position, while the first transfer platform (7) is already disposed in its initial position to create a new tube (1) stack, wherein the retention means (6) are deactivated in order to allow the introduction of new tubes (1) in the vertical channels (5), insofar as the second vertical transfer platform (8) is disposed in the initial position at the outlet of the vertical channels (5). Lastly, as shown in figure 12I, a new sheet (27) die cut into a box shape (27) is disposed above the opening (35) to receive a new tube (1) stack and repeat the process.

Claims

1. A machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, which comprises a tube (1) feeding zone (A), a tube (1) stacking zone (B) and a zone (C) for packing tubes (1) into boxes, characterised in that the tube (1) stacking zone (A) comprises:

- a plurality of vertical channels (5) for stacking the tubes (1) in a substantially horizontal arrangement;

- retention means (6) for retaining the tubes (1) to control their introduction in the vertical channels (5);

- a first transfer platform (7) that makes a first vertical transfer movement to control the height of the tube (1) stack and accompany the tube (1) stack in its descent through the vertical channels (5), and a second horizontal transfer movement for withdrawing and unblocking the vertical channels (5), enabling the withdrawal of the tube (1) stack;

- a second transfer platform (8) having a vertical transfer movement for transferring the tube (1) stack from the outlet of the vertical channels (5) to the lower portion of the tube (1) stacking zone (A); and

- transfer means (9) for transferring the tube (1) stack from the second transfer platform (8) until disposing it over a sheet (27) die cut into a box shape in the tube (1) packing zone (C);

and in that the zone (C) in which the tubes (1) are packed into boxes comprises:

- a hold-down mechanism (26) for folding the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape and forming a packing box over the tube (1) stack.

2. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, characterised in that the first transfer platform (7) and the second transfer platform (8) are actuated for their vertical transfer movement by respective vertical spindles (13 and 14) disposed on both sides of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) and are vertically guided by means of guide rails (15).

3. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1 and 2, characterised in that the first transfer platform (7) and the second transfer platform (8) are actuated independently in their vertical transfer movement, using first vertical spindles (13) to vertically actuate the first transfer platform (7) and second vertical spindles (14) for vertically actuating the second transfer platform (8).

4. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1 and 2, characterised in that a common guide rail (15) for guiding both the first and second transfer platforms (7, 8) in their vertical transfer movement is disposed on either side of the tube (1) stacking zone (B).

5. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 2, characterised in that the vertical spindles (13, 14) of one side of the tube (1) stacking zone (B) are actuated directly by respective motors (11, 12), while the vertical spindles (13, 14) of the side opposite the tube (1) stacking zone (B) are actuated by means of a transmission mechanism (16) that transmits the movement of the vertical spindles (13, 14) actuated by the motors (11, 12).

6. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, 3 and 4, characterised in that the first transfer platform (7) is joined to the mobile portion of an actuator (17) that causes is horizontal transfer movement, wherein the fixed portion of the actuator (17) is joined to a mobile base (18) in a vertical direction which is mounted between two carriages (19) that are actuated in a vertical direction of movement by the first vertical spindles (13) and guided along the common guide rails (15) of both sides of the tube (1) stacking zone (B).

7. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, 3 and 4, characterised in that the second transfer platform (8) is mounted between two carriages (20) that are actuated in a vertical direction of movement by the second vertical spindles (14) and guided along common guide rails (15) of both sides of the tube (1) stacking zone (B).

8. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, characterised in that a narrowing (23) is defined at the outlet of the vertical channels (5) to group the stacked tubes (1) into a staggered configuration and compensate the thickness of the walls that divide the vertical channels (5).

9. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 8, characterised in that the narrowing (23) is defined by means of an extension of the outer walls of the vertical channels (5) of the ends, said extension being formed by inward-sloping wall sections (24) and straight wall sections (25) following from the inward-sloping wall sections (24).

10. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, characterised in that the transfer means (9) consist of a plate (21) that is actuated in a horizontal direction by an actuator (22) to push the tube (1) stack.

11. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, characterised in that the hold-down mechanism (26) consists of a vertically movable column (29), which includes an inverted U-shaped piece (30) on its lower portion for folding the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape and making it pass through an opening (35) that coincides with the shape of the base of the box to be formed.

12. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 11, characterised in that the column (29) has a guide rail (32) for sliding vertically with respect to a support structure (31) that is joined to the chassis of the machine and a rack (32) with which a pinion associated with a motor (34) for actuating said column (29) in a vertical direction of movement engages.

13. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, characterised in that the tube (1) packing zone (C) has adjustment means (36) for maintaining the tube (1) stack assembled in its transfer from the second transfer platform (8) until being positioned on the sheet (27) die cut into a box shape.

14. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 13, characterised in that the adjustment means (36) are formed by diametrically opposed lateral adjustment plates (37) which are associated with respective actuators (38) for performing a separation and approximation movement therebetween.

15. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, characterised in that the tube (1) stacking zone (C) has a stop plate (39) for frontally aligning the stacked tubes (2) before forming the packing box.

16. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 15, characterised in that the stop plate (39) is made of transparent material in order to enable observation of the tube stack (1) from the exterior.

17. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 1, characterised in that the vertical channels (5) are frontally closed by doors (41) endowed with a swinging movement to frontally align the tubes (1) stacked inside said vertical channels (1).

18. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 17, characterised in that each door (41) is mounted on guide rails (42), incorporating a central actuator cylinder (43) that causes the swinging movement of the respective door (41).

19. The machine for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim 17, characterised in that the doors (41) are made of transparent material, in order to allow observation of the formation of the tube (1) stack in the vertical channels (5) from the exterior.

20. A procedure for grouping and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, using the machine of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a first phase wherein tubes (1) are stacked according to a substantially horizontal arrangement thereof for forming a tube (1) stack and a second phase wherein the tube (1) stack formed is disposed on a sheet (27) die cut into a box shape which is folded by means of a hold-down mechanism (26) to form a packing box over the tube (1) stack itself.

Drawing